London Indian Film Festival 2015 launches in Birmingham

Europe�۪s largest annual Asian film event the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) is expanding this year to serve audiences in the UK�۪s second largest city with a selection of highlight screenings at Midlands Arts Centre and Cineworld Broad Street. The festival will run in Birmingham from 20 ��� 26 July.

Highlights include: Berlinale winner Dhanak (Rainbow), Toronto premiere documentary Monsoon, Bengali art-house hit Asha Jaoar Majhe (Labour of Love) and the bold M Cream starring Imaad Shah (son of Nasseeruddin Shah) and Ira Dubey (daughter of Lillette Dubey). UK premieres in Birmingham include Slumdog-like Kakkaa Mattai (The Crow�۪s Egg) and Khwada (Obstacle).

LIFF�۪s Executive & Programming Director Cary Rajinder Sawhney says:

���Its great that partners in Birmingham have encouraged us to expand to this culturally vibrant city to provide a broader offering of South Asian cinema, well beyond the boundaries of traditional Bollywood. The films on offer will show more realistic images of modern India, in all its rich diversity, they will make you think, inspire you and maybe even shock you! We hope you enjoy them.�۝

Ben Luxford, the BFI�۪s Head of UK-wide Audience says:

“Ensuring that audiences across the UK have the opportunity to see a diverse range of films is central to the BFI�۪s work supported by the Lottery. Film festivals play such an important role in presenting new and exciting filmmakers and talent to new audiences and we are delighted to be supporting the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival as it continues to expand and now brings Indian independent cinema to Birmingham.�۝

The festival is pleased to announce that the Bagri Foundation, a charity whose aims include the advancement of literacy, education and the arts, with an emphasis on those of India, and the appreciation and understanding of Asian cultures, is on board as the Title Sponsor.

Alka Bagri of the Bagri Foundation said:

���Cinema has a vital role to play in exploring lives, sharing emotions, investigating social issues, and expanding horizons. Given the explanatory power of this medium, we are absolutely delighted to be supporting the London Indian Film Festival as title sponsors. The Bagri Foundation is committed to promoting rich cultural endeavours, fostering dialogues and providing platforms for creativity to blossom. In line with this, the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival offers a fantastic opportunity for art lovers to embark on an exciting journey and to immerse themselves in South Asian culture.�۝

Major Partner Sun Mark Ltd returns with its Pure Heaven brand. Other returning partners include Grange Hotels, British Film Institute, Asian Single Solution and Technicolor. Cinema venues include Cineworld cinemas, BFI Southbank, Institute of Contemporary Arts, Picturehouse Central and Midlands Arts Centre.